Editorial: CM Life opens director of student media position
Central Michigan Life is searching for a director of student media.
The director supervises students who lead the newspaper, advising on media law, ethics and production. They also support students’ professional development and serve as a liaison between the CM Life, Student Media Board of Directors and the Division of University Engagement and Student Affairs.
The application is available on Central Michigan University’s website. It will close on Feb. 13, 2026.
Some of the required qualifications are:
- Bachelor’s degree in the field of journalism, mass media or communications
- Five years of journalism work experience, with at least two years of managerial expertise
- Experience with student development, adivising and community engagement
- Ability to work effectively with staff of different backgrounds, ability to cooperate with other partners and positive interpersonal skills
The application will be reviewed by the hiring committee by the end of February, with the first round of interviews completed in early March. The director will be onboarded in April.
The hiring committee consists of Student Affairs representatives and CM Life's Student Media Board of Directors. The Student Affairs representatives are Erica Johnson, the associate vice president of Student Affairs, and Kasey Perez, director of Indigenous Affairs at CMU. The members of CM Life's Student Media Board of Directors are:
- Kathy Simon, interim director of student media at CM Life
- Jordyn Hermani, president of the Student Media Board of Directors and political reporter at Bridge Michigan
- Anne Renel, vice president of the Student Media Board of Directors and director of centralized account development at Shift Digital
- Kirkland Crawford, member of the Student Media Board of Directors and director of Florida sports content, Gannett
- Brian Manzullo, member of the Student Media Board of Directors and digital editor at the Detroit Free Press
- Gabriella DeVries, member of the Student Media Board of Directors and sales manager at Amigo Mobility
- Jim Wojcik, CMU professor and former director of student media
Hermani said in a statement that the board is looking for someone who is passionate about journalism and is able to use their experience to support the next generation of CM Life.
"This is a storied institution with countless alumni who've gone on to do great things," Hermani said. "We want to make sure that continues well into the future by selecting a person who helps uplift student curiosity, nurtures the reporting spirit and provides a newsroom where young journalists can stretch the limits of their potential."
Similarly, Renel said in a statement that the director of student media plays a critical role in student success.
Media management requires collaborative leadership, strategic vision and the balance of deadlines, guidance and big ideas, she said.
"The ideal candidate understands today’s multimedia and journalistic landscape and can guide students in producing content across digital, video, audio, and emerging platforms. All while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity," Renel said. "In a time when trust in media matters more than ever, CM Life will continue to lead as the news source for Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University, and beyond."
That's why the next director should foster critical thinking and accurate reporting, while honoring CM Life's legacy, Renel said.
For more information about the application, visit CMU’s website.
